Stanford RB Tyler Gaffney Pursues MLB, Will Not Return to Cardinal Football

Stanford football begins life without Andrew Luck in the 2012 season, and it will do so without its second leading rusher of 2011. Tyler Gaffney is giving up his final season of NCAA eligibility to pursue baseball.

The Pittsburgh Pirates drafted Gaffney in the 24th round of last month’s MLB amateur draft. He played outfield for the Cardinal baseball team, which Florida State ousted from the NCAA Super Regional.

Gaffney played an integral role in Cardinal football’s 11-win season as the No. 2 rusher behind Stepfan Taylor. Gaffney gained 449 yards and scored seven touchdowns. His role in the passing game was marginal, but Gaffney did score three receiving touchdowns the last two seasons.

With head coach David Shaw replacing Luck at quarterback, Stanford could rely on the running game more, particularly early on. Taylor has dark horse Heisman potential, but will need a complementary piece to supplement his production. When Gerhart was bulldozing opposing defenses in 2009, Taylor and Luck provided over 600 yards and scored six touchdowns on the ground.

Gaffney became the No. 2 when Taylor filled Gerhart’s void as feature back. The departures of Gaffney and Jeremy Stewart leave Shaw with 16 total touchdowns and 706 yards of production to replace. Anthony Wilkerson was the Cardinal’s third leading rusher a season ago, gaining 282 yards in 56 carries.

Gaffney’s MLB turn isn’t the first time a Cardinal back has had baseball opportunities. Gerhart’s Heisman candidate campaign almost didn’t happen, as the bruising back was faced with a choice similar to Gaffney’s. He opted to return to Stanford in 2009, and rushed for 1871 yards and 28 touchdowns while leading the Cardinal to its first bowl appearance in eight years.